Lawmakers from Fla. welcome debate in Congress on Syria

Published: Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 10:29 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 10:29 p.m.

Members of Florida’s congressional delegation said on Saturday that they welcome President Barack Obama’s invitation to debate military action in Syria but they staked out very different positions on whether America should flex its military might.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement that Congress should return to Washington immediately to begin the debate.

“I agree with the decision to seek Congressional approval before taking military action in Syria. And I believe Congress should return to Washington immediately and begin to debate this issue,” the statement reads. “The United States should only engage militarily when it is pursuing a clear and attainable national security goal. Military action taken simply to send a message or save face does not meet that standard.”

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla,, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, listened to the president’s speech Saturday and participated in a briefing by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, according to his office.

“The president wants to put to rest any doubt the American people may have,” Nelson said in a statement Saturday afternoon. “I support the president’s decision. But as far as I’m concerned, we should strike in Syria today. The use of chemical weapons was inhumane, and those responsible should be forced to suffer the consequences.”

Congressman Ted Yoho, R-Gainesville, who has opposed intervention in Syria in recent weeks, reiterated Saturday that he would not vote for military aid or action.

“I am convinced following the President’s remarks today that the voice of the American people is getting through,” Yoho said in a statement. “For days, constituents have been telling me, ‘Don’t get involved in Syria.’ I am encouraged by his decision to seek Congressional approval. However, I firmly believe that the United States should not intervene in the civil war unfolding in Syria.

“If we use military force in Syria, we would in fact be engaging in an act of war against a sovereign nation that does not pose a threat to the United States. While I find the death and destruction occurring in Syria on behalf of both the Assad regime and the rebel forces deplorable, I must listen to the countless Americans and constituents who have pleaded with both me and my colleagues in Congress not to engage.

“I look forward to the upcoming debate on the House floor with my colleagues, but ultimately, I will not be supporting military action in Syria. While it is important that the President seeks approval from Congress, respecting the final decision is what counts. If the President chooses to move forward irrespective of the outcome on the House floor, grave consequences will be sure to follow.”

Rep. Rich Nugent, R-Brooksville, was not available for comment, according to his office. But an aide said Nugent has been outspoken in his opposition to intervention as well as the need for the president to come to Congress.

<p>Members of Florida's congressional delegation said on Saturday that they welcome President Barack Obama's invitation to debate military action in Syria but they staked out very different positions on whether America should flex its military might.</p><p>U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement that Congress should return to Washington immediately to begin the debate.</p><p>“I agree with the decision to seek Congressional approval before taking military action in Syria. And I believe Congress should return to Washington immediately and begin to debate this issue,” the statement reads. “The United States should only engage militarily when it is pursuing a clear and attainable national security goal. Military action taken simply to send a message or save face does not meet that standard.”</p><p>Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla,, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, listened to the president's speech Saturday and participated in a briefing by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, according to his office.</p><p>“The president wants to put to rest any doubt the American people may have,” Nelson said in a statement Saturday afternoon. “I support the president's decision. But as far as I'm concerned, we should strike in Syria today. The use of chemical weapons was inhumane, and those responsible should be forced to suffer the consequences.”</p><p>Congressman Ted Yoho, R-Gainesville, who has opposed intervention in Syria in recent weeks, reiterated Saturday that he would not vote for military aid or action.</p><p>“I am convinced following the President's remarks today that the voice of the American people is getting through,” Yoho said in a statement. “For days, constituents have been telling me, 'Don't get involved in Syria.' I am encouraged by his decision to seek Congressional approval. However, I firmly believe that the United States should not intervene in the civil war unfolding in Syria.</p><p>“If we use military force in Syria, we would in fact be engaging in an act of war against a sovereign nation that does not pose a threat to the United States. While I find the death and destruction occurring in Syria on behalf of both the Assad regime and the rebel forces deplorable, I must listen to the countless Americans and constituents who have pleaded with both me and my colleagues in Congress not to engage.</p><p>“I look forward to the upcoming debate on the House floor with my colleagues, but ultimately, I will not be supporting military action in Syria. While it is important that the President seeks approval from Congress, respecting the final decision is what counts. If the President chooses to move forward irrespective of the outcome on the House floor, grave consequences will be sure to follow.”</p><p>Rep. Rich Nugent, R-Brooksville, was not available for comment, according to his office. But an aide said Nugent has been outspoken in his opposition to intervention as well as the need for the president to come to Congress.</p>